Dubai has long established itself as one of the world’s premier destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and this year promises to be no exception. The Dubai Shopping Festival, in its milestone 30th edition and continuing until 12 January 2025, and Dubai Calendar, the city’s official event listings platform, have curated an extraordinary lineup of celebrations to usher in 2025 in style.
From dazzling themed parties and live performances by globally acclaimed artists to awe-inspiring fireworks displays lighting up iconic landmarks, Dubai offers a truly memorable New Year’s Eve experience. With unparalleled entertainment, world-class venues, and an atmosphere of festive grandeur, the city continues to solidify its reputation as the ultimate destination to welcome the New Year and create incredible memories.
Here are some of the must-attend spectacular events taking place across Dubai on Tuesday, 31 December:
FIREWORKS DISPLAYS AND DRONE SHOWS
Time: 11.59pm
Location: Burj Park
About: Join the world in witnessing the iconic Burj Khalifa light up to welcome the New Year in true Dubai fashion. Stunning fireworks will set the sky above Downtown Dubai alight in dazzling colours. Secure front row seats to see the 828m-tall architectural marvel in all its glory as it sparkles to ring in 2025 at the Emaar New Year’s Eve at Burj Park celebration. Indulge in delicious F&B options and enjoy live entertainment while you wait for the spectacular fireworks display.
DSF Drones Show presented by Emarat
Time: 8pm and 10pm
Location: Bluewaters and The Beach JBR
About: An unmissable highlight of the season, the mesmerising DSF Drones Show presented by Emarat Petroleum returns this DSF. Watch the shows on New Year’s Eve from Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR. With 1,000+ drones taking over the night skies, expect awe-inspiring performances from two brand new shows featuring all-new composition and music.
Time: 11.59pm
Locations: Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Seef, Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR, and Hatta
About: Welcome the New Year with a bang at one of Dubai’s many spectacular fireworks displays. Dubai Festival City Mall will light up the sky with a dazzling show by Al Zarooni Group and a special performance by popular Egyptian singer Mahmoud El Esseily. For a more traditional setting, head to the historic district of Al Seef, where you can enjoy stunning views and festive atmosphere. Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR offer idyllic settings to watch the fireworks off the coast. And for those in Hatta, a spectacular display by the Hatta Sign will light up the night sky.
Time: Check availability and book your trip by contacting marinebooking@rta.ae
Location: Marina Mall, Al Ghubaiba, Bluewaters, Al Fahidi and Al Jaddaf
About: Ring in 2025 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve journey across Dubai’s waters. Enjoy unmatched views of the city’s shimmering skyline and dazzling fireworks by booking a Ferry, Water Taxi, or Abra ride across various locations around the city, including Marina Mall for front-row seats to the breathtaking Jumeirah Beach Residence and Bluewaters displays.
ENTERTAINMENT
Lost Frequencies and Agents of Time live
Time: 8pm
Location: Terra Solis
About: Dance under the stars at Terra Solis to Lost Frequencies’ melodic house hits like Are You With Me, and enjoy the cinematic, progressive techno vibes of Agents of Time. Don’t miss this exclusive desert celebration.
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Raffles The Palm Dubai
About: Guests attending Raffles The Palm Dubai’s Royal Masquerade Ball will enjoy a gala dinner, live music and performances, followed by an afterparty at Sola Jazz Lounge.
Time: 8pm
Location: Dubai Opera
About: Bid goodbye to 2024 in style at Dubai Opera. Enjoy jazz classics by Dubai’s own Souled Out band, followed by electro-swing hits from Austrian DJ and producer Parov Stelar, and dance the night away with DJ SilverFox’s progressive house beats. Cap off the night with front-row views of the iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks from the Dubai Opera promenade.
CONCERTS
Joel Corry live at Zero Gravity
Time: 12pm
Location: Zero Gravity
About: Celebrate the final day of 2024 at Zero Gravity’s NYE Beach Festival, with stunning views of the skyline and Palm Jumeirah. Headliner Joel Corry, known for hits like Head & Heart, will keep the party going as fireworks light up the sky. Two surprise international DJs will join the celebration for an unforgettable night.
Lionel Richie live at Atlantis, The Palm
Time: 6pm
Location: Atlantis, The Palm
About: Global music icon Lionel Richie will headline Atlantis, The Palm’s NYE spectacular, which will also feature stunning fireworks and Broadway-themed entertainment. Enjoy a gourmet buffet and VIP Sky Suites with private butlers for an unforgettable experience.
Mahmoud El Esseily – DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall
Time: 9:30pm
Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
About: DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall, presented by talabat, is thrilled to announce a special ticketed New Year’s Eve concert by acclaimed Egyptian singer Mahmoud El Esseily on 31 December. Music fans can book their tickets on Platinumlist now and ring in 2025 in style.
Time: 6pm
Location: Dubai Harbour
About: Head to the Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience for an electrifying show by Italian duo Mathame, who bring their NEO production to the city. Brothers Amedeo and Matteo Giovanelli, who are known for their hits like Nothing Around Us and Skywalking, will provide a futuristic, immersive experience blending live music with cutting-edge visuals.
Nassif Zeytoun and Gipsy Kings ft. Tonino Baliardo live
Time: 9:30pm
Location: Festival Arena, Dubai Festival City Mall
About: Say goodbye to 2024 with Arab pop hits and Catalan rumba beats. Taking the Dubai Festival City stage, Syrian singer Nassif Zeytoun and the legendary Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo will keep the crowds dancing all night long. The audience will welcome 2025 with the Arab artist’s contemporary melodies and heartfelt lyrics, alongside the band’s passionate rhythms.
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
Time: 8pm
Location: Burj Al Arab
About: Burj Al Arab’s end-of-year celebration promises to be a spectacular event. Step back in time to the golden era of the 90s and dance to throwback hits with No Mercy, Jenny from Ace of Base, Fab from Milli Vanilli and 2 Unlimited. The evening will unfold under the stars at Marina Garden, featuring a tribute to Barry White and a lavish five-course Michelin-starred dinner. Keep the party alive with Paul Lomax & Show Band, more non-stop 90s anthems and an incredible fireworks display featuring 360° views at the Terrace. The night also marks the 25th anniversary of Burj Al Arab, adding even more grandeur to the New Year’s Eve celebration.
Time: 8pm
Location: Barasti Beach
About: Welcome 2025 at Barasti Beach with a New Year’s Eve bash headlined by DJ Nicky Romero. Known for chart-topping hits such as Toulouse and I Could Be the One, Romero will bring his electronic dance beats to Dubai Marina’s sparkling shoreline. With remixes and collaborations featuring the likes of Afrojack, David Guetta and Rita Ora, the DJ’s deck will keep the crowd moving until the early hours of 1 January. Doors open at 6pm.
NYE: Big Art Festival at The Theater Dubai
Time: 8pm
Location: The Theater Dubai
About: Step into the New Year with your dancing shoes on as popular Russian rock star Vladimir Kuzmin belts out top tracks including I Won’t Forget You and A Fairy Tale in My Life. Head to The Theater Dubai for the Big Art Festival’s gala dinner and enjoy fabulous festivities for the entire family. The night will also see performances by German musician, songwriter and producer Dieter Bohlen from pop duo Modern Talking, and Russian pop singers Valery Leontiev and Lusia Chebotina. In addition, artists from The Theater Dubai will put on an entertainment extravaganza which will be sure to impress. At midnight, take in the spectacular fireworks show, after which you can groove to the DJ’s hits until late.
HOSPITALITY & GASTRONOMY
Time: 4pm
Location: Mushrif Park Gate 1
About: Dive into a tantalising array of delicious dishes, immerse yourself in captivating entertainment, and take part in interactive experiences whilst enjoying the city’s amazing winter weather and the last day of the year. This year’s edition features a thrilling new look, with four distinct zones each taking you on a memorable gastronomic expedition.
Time: 8pm
Location: Emirates Golf Club
About: Come together at a glamorous gala on the lush lawns of the Emirates Golf Club with tribute acts featuring Bruno Mars, George Michael, Robbie Williams and Pink’s greatest hits. As the clock strikes midnight, visitors will get prime views of the glittering fireworks at the outdoor venue.
Time: 7pm
Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates
About: Jumeirah Golf Estates is hosting a family-friendly gala featuring a lavish dinner and upbeat DJ tunes. At Palm Tree Courtyard’s ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’ Gala, enjoy live tribute performances to Oasis and The Police, then ring in 2025 with a stunning fireworks display at midnight.
Time: 9pm
Location: Rixos Premium Dubai, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
About: Ring in 2025 at Rixos Premium Dubai’s NYE celebration, featuring international music sensations including Dr Alban, Fedde Le Grand, Jonas Blue and Willy William. The beachfront bash will serve up gourmet bites, with views of the popular Jumeirah Beach Residence fireworks lighting up the skies.
Time: 8pm
Location: Time Out Market Dubai
About: Dance your way into 2025 as you step back into the roaring 20s with a Great Gatsby-themed celebration at Time Out Market Dubai. Enjoy gourmet dishes from 17 top local eateries, live entertainment, and a front-row view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks. Each ticket includes a pre-loaded event card for exclusive food and drinks.
In addition, Hatta x DSF, presented by AW Rostamani Nissan, offers the ultimate winter escape at Hatta Wadi Hub until 5 January 2025. Combining nature’s serene beauty with dazzling light displays, the event features ziplining, kayaking, live music, and test drives of iconic Nissan models. Enjoy artisanal treats from Home Bakery, bold flavours from GOAT Burger, fresh dishes from Adrina, and more. Fireworks light up the skies every Friday and Saturday at 8pm, making it a must-visit for a memorable experience.
Dubai Lights will also mesmerise tourists and residents, as some of the city’s most iconic destinations transform into breathtaking and enchanting immersive light districts. Featuring one-of-a-kind interactive installations inspired by Water, Air, Fire, Energy and Connection, the installations illuminate Bluewaters, Palm Nakheel Mall, Palm West Beach, Al Seef, Dubai Design District, Al Marmoom, City Walk, and Hatta.
DSF continues to deliver joyful experiences with wonder-filled festive activations throughout the entire city, alongside Dubai’s world-class New Year’s Eve celebrations, A-list concerts, and stunning fireworks displays, making Dubai the place to be to share joy-filled moments and to ring in the New Year together, during one of the worlds biggest celebrations.
Dubai Calendar allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer. For more information, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.
